History - Monastic Farming

In 1215, a significant shift occurred in the ownership of Sidmouth’s land. A portion of the wider Manor of Sidmouth was annexed to create the Radway Estate. The first deeds were acquired by two individuals, William and Robert de Radway, described as "persona" of Otterton and St Malo.

1. The Monastic Connection

While historical records refer to William and Robert as "brothers," it is likely they were not biological siblings. Instead, evidence suggests they were "brothers" from the Benedictine monastery in Otterton, which was tied to the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy (hence the mention of St Malo).

Interestingly, William de Radway appears to have eventually left monastic life to marry and start a family, as records show he had a son named Adam. Despite this shift to a secular family line, the estate they established was built on the principles of monastic self-sufficiency.

2. A Model of Self-Sufficiency

In the 13th century, Sidmouth was a remote community. To survive, the Radway Estate had to produce virtually everything it needed locally. The "brothers" utilized a mixed farming economy, an integrated system designed to maximize stability and economic output:

• Arable Farming: The main, cleared fields were used for growing cereals.

• Pastoral Farming: Livestock grazed in the southern boundary fields.

• Managed Woodland: Strategic tree planting provided essential timber and food.

• Marine Resources: The estate also supplemented its needs with resources from the sea.

3. Livestock and Medieval Power

On a medieval mixed farm, animals provided far more than just food:

• Oxen: These were the primary "motive power" for heavy ploughing. They were stronger and cheaper to keep than horses and provided meat and hide at the end of their working lives.

• Sheep: Ubiquitous and vital for the economy, providing wool for clothing, meat (mutton), and milk for cheese.

• Cattle: Essential for a daily supply of milk, butter, and cheese, as well as hides for leather and parchment.

• Pigs: Reliable food sources that required minimal management, foraging on field stubble or in local woodlands.

4. The Landscape as a Tool: The Southern Shelter Belt

The geography of the Powys site played a crucial role in its use. Because higher ground is more exposed to coastal winds, a shelter belt of trees was planted along the southern border.

This was not just for protection; it was an economic crop.

• Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa): These were planted as a reliable, high-protein food source. The wood was coppiced to provide rot-resistant timber for fencing and construction.

• Mixed Species: The monks likely planted a mix of hazel, birch, beech, and elm. While the shorter-lived beech and birch have since disappeared, the long-lived sweet chestnut remains as a living link to the Radway "brothers".